Nintendo DSI XL – Price War Started?

Just when it seemed the price going forward for the Nintendo DSI XL was settling down at the £150 mark, give or take a pound or two, less than a week after launch in the UK 2 of the top retailers have already slashed the price of both the wine red DSi XL and the dark brown DSi XL. Whether this is down to sales targets not being met, or just a strategy to try and capture the market when demand is likely to be at its highest is not yet clear.

First off the mark on 8th March was ASDA which was one of the few online stores not selling the Nintendos new handheld console in Pre Order, who cut the price to £135.00, when the nearest rival was Amazon DSi XL Offer at £149.78. Admittedly Amazon’s offer came bundled with a free accessory pack and any selected game for £10 (similar to the bundle available on the original DSi), however, even taking into account ASDAs postage charge of £5.95 (which it appears can be removed completely if collecting from a local store) this DSi XL deal is certainly a market leading price.

Occasionally, retailers will follow a price cut like this, especially if it’s from one of the major players, and history tells us this is likely to be one of major supermarkets themselves, otherwise it could be Amazon or John Lewis who are well know for ‘responding to a competitor’s event’ . Well today Wed 10th March John Lewis didn’t disappoint and knocked a healthy £12 off their own sub £150 price to £137.85. Although higher than ASDA’s, taking into account the fact that they offer FREE Delivery, makes their offer even more attractive.

It is yet to be seen how long this offer will be available, or indeed if anyone else joins the price war and undercuts them, however, it’s good news at the moment for the consumer and anyone who’s seriously thinking of purchasing the Nintendo DSi XL could do a lot worse than going for the current reductions and saving themselves a few bob.